Apple to hire new iPhone security manager
updated 03:45 pm EST, Thu November 5, 2009
Likely related to anti-jailbreaking efforts
Apple is looking to hire a new iPhone manager with significant responsibilities, observers note. In particular the company is now searching for an "iPhone OS Platform Security Manager," who will be responsible for a team securing the booting, installation and running of the firmware. The worker is also expected to help plot a roadmap for iPhone security, and bring at least three years of experience running a development team, plus hands-on knowledge in designing against hardware and software exploits.
Although it is not known whether the recruitment is for a new position or an existing one, the successful candidate will likely be responsible for Apple's anti-jailbreaking efforts. The company has adamantly opposed jailbreaking for years, citing possible security threats which only recently became manifest. Each new iteration of the iPhone firmware has disrupted various jailbreaking tools, forcing matching updates to allow unofficial software to function.
Earlier this week a coder managed to crack both Apple's iPhone 3.1.2 firmware and the accompanying v05.11.07 baseband. Baseband upgrades are irreversible, making it impossible for a jailbreaker to reverse course if they accidentally upgrade to code which has not yet been hacked. Critics of Apple charge that the company is more concerned with losing revenue than deterring serious threats.
Please stop peddling FUD
11/05, 05:00pm reply
The SMS scam was only effective against jailbroken iPhones running ssh with the default root password on open wifi networks.
It could only work if the user had deliberately circumvented Apple's security system and then failed to take adequate responsibility for their device's safety.
Basically, it's a stupidity tax!
cal6n
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
the actual fud
11/05, 05:53pm reply
The real FUD is that c*** the Apple passes on about "possible security threats". Next thing you know, they'll be telling us jailbroken iPhones could take down the entire ATT network.
Oh, right, they passed around that one too.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Boo
11/05, 07:34pm reply
Don't work too hard on this front, Apple, or you may just end up selling me on an Android when my 3Gs contract is up... I WILL run the software I want on my phone, whether it's an Apple phone, or one from a different manufacturer. If that means I have to leave my firmware out of date for months at a time, then so be it.
WiseWeasel
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
Get real
11/05, 11:06pm reply
What Apple needs to do is to provide security for business users who want to use MS Exchange, etc., repair their image, and try to get some respect back from those they spoofed by reporting security falsely. Then they might have a chance at that market. And stop worrying about the fringe hackers and Palm. Apples priorities are like that of any 13-year old- far too narrow.
danangdoc
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Jailbreak
11/06, 01:34am reply
The problem here is Jailbreak itself. It is obvious since the begining that jailbreak was an open door to invite OS intrusion. Only an uninformant person try run Jailbreak. And about choice I have plenty so keep out with the bs. And I also agree that Apple should improve more some security features.
IxOsX
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2009